Wills, Inheritances & Succession Disputes & Entitlements

Disputes over Wills, Inheritances and Succession entitlements are among the most fraught and complex imaginable. As society changes, and more complicated family networks emerge, the amount of dispute and conflict over wills and inheritances is increasing.

Disputes can arise in many different ways. Disappointed family members, civil partners, cohabitees, heirs, beneficiaries and creditors are just some of the people who may make claims for what they consider their entitlements or the validity of a Will may be challenged.

In most cases a properly drafted Will will avoid problems. This must be done with care. Very strict format and signing requirements apply for Wills to be valid and Wills can be struck down for not being in proper form. Homemade Wills are especially fraught with danger.

The cost of making a Will is generally modest. If you wish to make or review a Will Thomas Barry & Company provides a specialist Wills service. You can contact us by clicking Contact us or ringing +353 1 677 3434. We will respond quickly and can contact you back at a time, and in a manner, suitable to you, without obligation. With over 20 years experience we are situated at 11 St Stephens Green, Dublin 2. Our motto is “People Deal With People”. See also Wills & Enduring Power of Attorney.

You may wish to be advised on your rights and entitlements. A person making a Will does not have unlimited freedom to leave his or her estate any way he or she wants. The law imposes a number of restrictions, especially as to the treatment of spouses, civil partners, cohabitees and children and these can override a Will.

Wills can be set aside if made under unsatisfactory circumstances such as undue influence, lack of knowledge and understanding or mental incapacity. They can be set aside where someone shows that he or she was made a promise, relied on that promise and the promise is unfulfilled.

Claims can be made against negligent and/or fraudulent executors, administrators and personal representatives as well as in relation to the interpretation and construction of Wills and trusts.

The general advice, if you receive notification of a claim, have reason to expect a claim, want to make a claim or simply want to know where you stand, is that you should say nothing and consult Thomas Barry & Company immediately by clicking Contact us or ringing +353 1 677 3434. We will respond quickly and can contact you back at a time, and in a manner, suitable to you, without obligation.

When it comes to succession and inheritance rights the law is complex and strict time limits can apply.